Linden
Tilia platyphyllos, Tilia cordata
Efficacy
- Indications with possible efficacy:
None - Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy:
None - Other indications with no proof of efficacy:
Anxiety (common use)
Colds
Cough
Headache
Insomnia
Nervous tension (common use)
Promote sweating
Safety
- Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
- Adverse Effects: Low
Description
Parts of the plant used: flowers
The linden tree, which has a very long lifespan, can grow to a height of 15 to 23 meters. The flowers are yellowish white and have five petals. They contain several active compounds including quercetin and volatile oils.
Linden is usually ingested as a warm beverage.
Directions for use
-
Linden has not been proven effective for any indication. Maximum doses however, have been established.
Doses used:
No more than 2 to 4 grams per day, regardless of form.
Linden infusion - 1 cup is obtained by infusing 2 grams of linden in 150 ml of boiling water
Tincture - 2 to 4 ml (1:5 in 45 % alcohol)
Fluid extract - 1 to 2 ml (1:1 in 25 % alcohol)
Precautions
- Adverse effects
There are few adverse effects associated with usual doses of linden. Linden however, can cause a skin rash, and allergic reactions have been reported. The use of high or frequent doses has been associated with cardiac damage. - Contraindications
Patients with a history of cardiac disorders should avoid linden (hypertension, congestive heart failure, angina, etc.). - Interactions
Linden may enhance the effect of lithium. It is advised that you speak to your pharmacist to see whether it is compatible with the drugs are presently taking. - Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The use of linden is not advised since there is no reliable information about its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Warning
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
References
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
- Blumethal M & al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
- Rotblatt M. & Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine, Hanley & Belfus, 2002
- The Review of Natural Products, 6th Edition, 2010
- Health Canada, Natural Products Database
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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.